Medtronic Surgical Techniques

Medtronic is a multinational lifescience company that develops technologies for the treatment of chronic diseases. Surgical technologies are Medtronic's sixth largest line of business. Working with surgeons and nurses in the field, the company designs and manufactures products, many minimally invasive, to diagnose and treat ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases, and cranial, spinal and neurologic conditions.
  1. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

    • Surgeons and physicians use ENT systems and instruments from Medtronic to treat a variety of ailments such as sinusitis, head and neck diseases, thyroid conditions and sleep-disordered breathing.

      To make incisions or remove soft tissue, hard tissue or bone, surgeons may use the Straightshot M4 Microdebrider. This device allows surgeons to rotate only the tip of the curved blade during ENT surgery. Among its features is a finger wheel control to rotate the blade tip and integrated suction to help keep the surgical area clear. Its shape offers surgeons ergonomic comfort. This handpiece allows surgeons more precise, complete removal of obstructive or diseased tissue.

      For sleep apnea and snoring, the Pillar Procedure is an office procedure for adults. The doctor inserts three tiny polyester implants to the soft palate with a special tool. This technique creates structural support and stiffening in the soft palate, helping to reduce tissue vibration that results in snoring.

      Using the Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (PITA) Blades technique, surgeons can remove tonsil and adenoid tissue more precisely, avoiding damage to delicate throat muscles. The PITA technique results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery and fewer complications.

    Neurologic Technologies

    • Surgeons use Medtronic's surgical devices and implantable products in their treatment of cranial, spinal and neurologic diseases. The Midas Rex MR7 High-Speed Pneumatic Drill is used by surgeons for spine, cranial, ENT, orthopedic and other surgical procedures. This technology delivers efficient performance and the design allows for easy maneuvering in the operating room.

      During spine surgeries, physicians use Medtronic's Midas Rex Spine Shaver Nucleus Removal Set for nucleus removal. A key advantage of this technique is that it allows rapid, controlled tissue removal through a single entry point.

      The Duet™ External Drainage and Monitoring System manages short-term drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Its flexibility enables the caregiver to drain and monitor the cerebrospinal fluid from the openings in the skull or lumbar areas.

    Imaging

    • In the operating room, Medtronic's visualization tools help doctors make more informed decisions, reduce surgery time, reduce patient risk and possibly improve surgical outcomes. The PoleStar Surgical MRI system provides neurosurgeons with real-time, 3D visualization imaging. Before a patient leaves the operating room, the system can confirm that the goal of the surgery has been met, helping to reduce the likelihood of repeat surgery.

    Navigation

    • The AxiEM Electromagnetic Tracking System is used by surgeons to position instruments and patient tracking devices using an electromagnetic field around the patient's target anatomy, helping to ensure precise surgical navigation.

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